Jean Wohlers

Jean Rosella Wohlers, 96, of Lake City died peacefully November 24, 2022, Thanksgiving Day, at Elysian Senior Living of Lake City. Jean was the daughter of Henry and Minnie Rutz, Lake City, born April 22, 1926. She lived in Lake City all her life and was baptized, confirmed and married at St John's Lutheran Church, where she was a lifelong member. Jean graduated from Lake City High School in 1945. She met the love of her life, Howard Wohlers, at a dance in 1943, dated him throughout his service in the U.S. Army and they married June 22, 1947. They were happily married for almost 70 years and raised three daughters: Gloria (1948), Sherry (1952) and Renae (1958). Jean worked at Jack's Café, Di-Acro-Houdaille Industries, Braschler's Bakery and as a childcare provider for her "borrowed kids". Jean was a cheerful and tireless coordinator and volunteer for many organizations, including church Ladies Aid, officer in the VFW Auxiliary, Lake City Public Library, Lake City Historical Society, Campfire Girls, and senior coach trip organizer. Jean received the Wabasha County Senior Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013 at the Minnesota State Fair, a year after her husband Howard received the award. In her seventies Jean returned to the hospitality sector, greeting and serving thousands of customers at the Chickadee Cottage Tearoom as Grandma-In-Chief, making new friends, many of whom corresponded with her long after she retired. Several of her delicious recipes were featured in the Chickadee Cottage recipe books, including her rhubarb desserts. Jean was a talented artist, calligrapher and baker, creating beautifully decorated cakes for all occasions, including weddings and parties for her family and friends' special events. Her dazzling smile and sparkling personality lit up every gathering.

Jean is survived by daughters Sherry Ladig (Don) and Renae Wohlers (Derek Cole); by grandchildren Nicholas Livingston (Jill) and Annelisa Livingston-Phillips (Marcus Phillips); by great-grandchildren Amber Stanley, Jelani Hall, Gloria Hall, Charlotte Livingston and Alexander Livingston; also by many other relatives and close friends. Her generosity, community service, warmth and love of her family and Lake City will live in our hearts forever.

A memorial service to honor Jean's life will be held at St John's Lutheran Church, Lake City on May 17, 2023 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at the church one hour before the service. Memorials preferred to the Lake City Public Library.